Unattended Child Policy
The River Forest Public Library welcomes the use of its facilities and services by all children. However, the Library is a public building, and as such, is not a safe place to leave a child unattended. The Library cannot assume responsibility for the safety of unattended children.
Therefore, children under the age of ten (10) years must not be left unattended in the Library, and they must be under the authority of and accompanied by a parent or authorized caregiver age 12 or older. This policy also applies when children are attending programs in the Library.
Children ten (10) years of age or older may use the Library unattended, subject to other policies and procedures adopted by River Forest Public Library Board of Trustees concerning conduct and behavior. However, the parent or caregiver is responsible for the behavior of his/her child while the child is in the Library. At times, unattended children may create a problem when they have no apparent purposeful intent to use library resources. In such situations, children become bored and then place unfair demands on library staff to provide supervision and entertainment.
Parents of children (10) and older will be notified if a child is disruptive, is vulnerable because of weather conditions, has inadequate meal arrangements, or long hours without contact with the parent or caregiver. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of the parent or caregiver to know the hours of the Library and to pick up his/her child before the Library closes.
PROCEDURES REGARDING UNATTENDED CHILDREN
1. Library staff should attempt to contact the parent. If the staff is unable to reach the parent at closing, the police will be called to assume responsibility for the child.
2. Two staff members should remain with the child until the parent or the police arrive.
3. The Library staff under no circumstances will transport the child or take the child away from the building. In the case of either a disruptive or an unattended child where action as outlined above has been taken, a report will be sent to the Director.
4. A child under the age of 10 left unattended in the library in violation of this policy, or a child of any age habitually left unattended, may be deemed to be at risk. In such situations library staff may contact local law enforcement or social services to ensure the safety and well being of a child.
5. In the event of a violation of the library policy regarding unattended children staff will fill out an Incident Report and place on file with the Library Director.
POLICY ON DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR OF CHILDREN
Disruptive behavior is unacceptable in the Library. Disruptive behavior includes, but is not limited to:
1. Running, chasing
2. Shouting, loud conversation, arguments, foul language
3. Throwing books or toys
4. Bullying or bothering other people
5. Consuming food or uncovered beverages (including chewing gum)
6. Vandalizing Library property or facilities
Appropriate behavior in the Library includes:
1. Doing homework, writing, researching, studying
2. Browsing, reading
3. Using computers within the time limits set
Unacceptable behavior may result in the suspension of Library privileges, expulsion from the Library and/or possible arrest for violations of Village ordinances.
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees 9/14/05
